I lived in Charlottesville, Va., from 1986 to 1990. My son was born in Martha Jefferson Hospital. We went to church, had friends, and walked and shopped in the beautiful pedestrian-friendly downtown just a few blocks from the University of Virginia. We loved the town and the people. It was and still is progressive, while retaining some of the more-charming aspects of Southern life.
I never visited the statue of Robert E. Lee that resides in Lee Park, which was renamed Emancipation Park in 2016. I don't even remember it being there, quite honestly. The violence and tragedy that occurred there on Aug. 12 doesn't fit with the peaceful setting. White nationalists, neo-Nazis, and KKK sympathizers, using the removal of the Lee monument as an excuse, marched on the park knowing full well that those who opposed their views would be present. They were successful in provoking the violence that led to death.
Ally Miller is a supervisor on the Pima County (Ariz.) Board of Supervisors. She viewed the Charlottesville tragedy and then posted on Facebook that she "was tired of being hit for being white" and feeling like we need to apologize (for being white). She then posted the following: "I am white and proud of it! No apologies necessary."
Bless her heart, but she's stupid! Her pride is seriously misplaced.
The definition of "proud" is 1) the feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction as a result of one's own achievements, qualities, or possessions or those of someone with whom one is closely associated; 2) having an excessively high opinion of oneself or one's importance.
Ally Miller's "pride" is of the second definition, and her opinion of herself is definitely "excessively high."
Being proud that you are white, black, brown, red, yellow, or purple is ridiculous because you did nothing to achieve being a certain color or ethnicity. You are that way because two people came together intimately and provided your genetics. You had no say in the matter. You can be grateful for being born, but the fact that your parents produced you is no reason to be proud, though they may be proud that you are their offspring. Or maybe not in Ally Miller's case.
Unfortunately, humans being as they are, if you are different, you are apt to be a target by those who are threatened by any deviation from what they consider "normal." This applies not only to skin color, but also ethnicity, culture, religion and ideology.
I have researched my family history extensively. I have Confederate soldiers in both of my parents' lines. I feel no pride in their service in the Civil War for it was in actuality treason against the United States. I do have pride that the majority of them survived and went on to live productive lives. Some of my kin did shameful and horrible acts during and after the war, and I feel no pride for them.
I am proud of people like my father and mother. Both rose above their circumstances to make something of themselves. Their journey would have been much more difficult if their skin had not been white. They knew this, and I know it as well. There is no doubt in my mind that my life was made easier because I am white. Life was hard enough for me just from being shorter than everyone else. I take no pride in being a certain height because I had no control over it. But I am proud that I did not let it become an excuse for my failures.
I do not fly the Confederate battle flag. Robert E. Lee allegedly told his soldiers to put away that flag and never bring it out. He never wore his uniform after the war and did not wish to be buried in it. He forbade others around him to wear anything that celebrated The War. He probably would have objected to having a statue memorialize his war efforts, and most likely would have had no problem with its removal.
DNA should not be the source of your pride. If you want to be proud, be proud of achieving those things that are good, lovely, and helpful to all, regardless of skin color, race, or religious belief. All lives matter. No color of skin is a reason to claim supremacy over anything. Blessed be the day when we can stop shouting slogans at each other!
Why do you need to shout about your pride? Those that live proud lives never have to say a word.
-- Devin Houston is the president/CEO of Houston Enzymes. Send comments or questions to [email protected]. The opinions expressed are those of the author.
Community on 08/23/2017